Communications Minister and Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, has strongly criticised DStv, accusing the pay-TV service provider of disrespecting Ghanaians by backtracking on discussions over subscription fee reductions.
In a statement shared on social media, the legislator warned that MultiChoice, operators of DStv, could face a regulatory shutdown if it fails to engage in talks on pricing.
According to Sam George, DStv had earlier indicated a willingness to meet with the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation regarding public concerns over high subscription costs.
He claimed the company requested that enforcement action be paused to allow dialogue on the matter.
However, the MP insists that DStv’s latest position contradicts those assurances.
“If MultiChoice is not interested, as they claim in their last statement, in discussing a reduction in prices as they had indicated to me, we would proceed to effect the shutdown tomorrow,” he cautioned.
He emphasised that no company operating in Ghana is above the law, stressing that until MultiChoice agrees to negotiate price cuts, there is nothing further to discuss.
The National Communications Authority (NCA), he said, would be mandated to enforce regulatory action.
Sam George reiterated that Ghana remains open to businesses, but only those that respect the country’s laws and institutions.
This comes after weeks of a standoff between the Ministry and the pay-TV operator, following regulators’ demand for a 30% cut in subscription fees.
Earlier, the ministry directed the enforcement of a statutory fine of GH¢10,000 per day on MultiChoice for failing to submit required pricing data under the Electronic Communications Act (ECA).
It also warned that the company risks suspension of its operating licence if prices are not reduced by September 6, 2025.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Friday, September 5, 2025, the minister confirmed that the committee had been formed at MultiChoice’s request to reach an agreement on the appropriate level of reduction.
“We have taken an immediate step to put together a committee comprising representatives from the ministry, the regulator, NCA, Multichoice Ghana, and Multichoice Africa. I will personally chair the committee,” he said.
He explained that although MultiChoice had requested 30 days to determine the level of reduction, the government insisted on a shorter timeframe.
“Let us be clear—they have finally accepted that there will be a reduction, and they want us to discuss the level of reduction. I believe that as a minister, we do not need 30 days.
However, DStv has publicly denied reaching any agreement to reduce subscription prices, contradicting the MP’s assertions.
In a statement dated September 5, 2025, the company emphasised that while it remains committed to ongoing discussions with the government, no agreement has been reached on a reduction in subscription fees.
The statement read: “We continue to engage with the Minister in a bid to find an amicable solution that is beneficial for all parties involved but does not jeopardise the viability of the DStv service.”
MultiChoice further assured the public that it will fully participate in the Working Committee established to address the matter.
But Sam George said he has no intention to continue tolerating the disrespect to Ghanaians by DStv.
He stated that if MultiChoice is not interested, as they claim in their last statement, in discussing a reduction in prices as they had indicated to me, the government would proceed to effect the shutdown as indicated.
